The Top 10 Things that Really Bother Me

There is something therapeutic and cathartic about venting your frustrations. So, in the interest of my mental health, I'm writing this article with a mixture of a little truth and a little humor. These are the top 10 day-to-day items that piss me off:

1. Drivers in the left lane who speed up when you try to pass them piss me off

There is nothing more aggravating than a driver who won't let you pass. Yes, I know it shouldn't bother me and I shouldn't "sweat the small stuff". But, I'm weak and sometimes passing people on the road makes me happy and helps me to feel better about myself.

2. People who don't like "The Office" piss me off

It's the best comedy show on television. If you don't think it's funny and can't find humor in it, there's no helping you. If Michael Scott doesn't make you laugh, I feel really bad for you.

3. Ultra-competitive parents piss me off

These are the people who scream at the coach and umpire at a little league game. Sometimes, you can catch a video of one of their kind actually attacking an ump or coach. Let's step back for a second and think about this... it is a little league game. I'm sorry if your own life didn't turn out the way you wanted it. I'm sorry if you didn't get to play center field for the Yankees. But, these are kids playing a game, whether it's soccer, baseball, football, etc... It's supposed to be fun for the kids.

4. Airline passengers who feel the need to fully recline in coach piss me off

Look... coach class is already about as comfortable as walking in on your parents making out. Do you really need to inflict pain on another passenger so that you can feel a small amount of added comfort?

When someone in front of me decides to recline their seat, I turn up the air blower above my seat and aim it directly at their head. This works especially well (and is funny) if the person is bald, and even better if they have a comb-over.

5. People who look for the absolute closest parking space piss me off

This just kills me. People always complain that they don't have enough time in their life, but they'll wait five minutes for someone to leave a parking space that is 10 feet closer to the store front. People spend a fortune on treadmills, but they don't want to walk a little extra into the store. It's just baffling.

6. Over-talkers piss me off

You know these people. They're the ones who will talk louder and louder to make sure that their point is heard. It doesn't matter if it's your turn in the conversation or not, they're going to talk as loud as they have to in order to drown you out. If it wasn't so annoying, it'd be funny.

7. Store clerks who make sure you know they are in a bad mood piss me off

It could happen at a restaurant, a retail chain, a fast food joint, or just about anywhere. You're simply looking for a little assistance or to purchase a product, and they act like you're keeping them from something. Guess what! It's your job! So, suck it up and put on that happy face for your shift.

8. Door to door solicitors piss me off

Why in this age of cyberspace, e-mail and blogs do people still feel the need to go door to door to harass upstanding citizens? Unless you are selling Girl Scout cookies, I don't want to see you. If you are selling Girl Scout cookies, I'll take 10 boxes of those delicious cookies with chocolate, caramel, and coconut.

Also, please stop leaving leaflets on my screen door and my mailbox. That will automatically remove your company from consideration, even if I need your services. Save the paper.

9. People who claim to be fans of a team, but can't name a single player piss me off

I hate it when I get into arguments with fans of another team and they don't know even one player on the team. If you're going to claim to be a fan do just a little research first.

This category would also include my lovely wife. If my wife is reading this, just remember that I love you...

10. Content Producers who shamelessly try to add views piss me off

Why would someone sell their soul for a few more page views? Some CP's write a quick, controversial article and then invite others to comment as well in order to drive up their views. I would never, ever stoop to such a level.

In summary, I'm probably just an angry, bitter man. Please comment on your own pet peeves whether serious or not. I could probably rattle off another 20 or so off the top of my head, but I'll spare you for now.